Customer Reviews

Aria: A Passion for Opera

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Corelli's "Nessun Dorma" makes the overplayed Pavarotti version pale by comparison. We (a pair of newlyweds) heard it while sampling this album for wedding reception music and were so blown away that we used this piece for our recessional, earning the following wisecrack from our Cantor, "Oy! You followed me with Corelli? Thanks for nuthin'." We dare you to listen to this track without getting a shiver.

I bought this CD long ago as a neophyte in opera appreciation. I had just seen Turandot and wanted the recording primarily for "Nessun Dorma", which I also love because of its use in the film, "The Killing Fields". But I have also appreciated the exquisite renderings of the other songs on the album. Callas. Caballe. Freni. Often, when a compilation like this comes out, one senses that the interpretations are second rate. In this case, it is just the opposite, or at least it seems that way to me.

The CD contains well known songs like "Vesti la Giubba" from Pagliacci, and "Un bel Di" from Madame Butterfly, but there are lesser known, and beautiful songs as well, such as "Viens, Malilika...sous Dome Epais" from Lakme', an absolutely gorgeous duet for two sopranos. I would highly reccomend this CD if you want to learn more about opera, or if you simply want some beautiful vocal music to listen to.

This compilation features operatic legends like Domingo, Caballe, Freni, Corelli, Callas etc. at their very best. Wonderful for those who want to start to get aquainted with the magic that is opera. TOP NOTCH!!!! A+++++++++++

Highly recommended even for those who may think they don't like opera. I would not characterize myself as an opera-lover, and don't really have the tenacity to sit through entire operas, though I have not been exposed to very many. You may consider this a "Best of Opera" in the best sense. Terrific car music--played at high volume, singing very loudly along (notwithstanding not knowing the lyrics)...though of course, probably only when alone!!

There are not too many duds in this collection. These are pretty much all of opera's greatest hits you could ever wish for, in performances that are never less than excellent and are often the best available. Since this is an EMI production there is no Pavarotti, but if that's the only tenor voice you know listen to tenors like Corelli, Kraus and Gedda, who are all terrific. If you don't know the voice of Mirella Freni she steals the show in arias from Gianni Schicchi, Louise and La Rondine. Nothing spectacular, just perfect singing. My only quibble is I wish they had used di Stefano's recording of the aria from Tosca, one of the greatest things ever, instead of Domingo's (which is fine, just not as special). Di Stefano is here, but in an inconsequential aria from Gianni Schicchi.

Oh, well. Everything else is wonderful, and this is the collection of opera excerpts I would recommend for someone who wants an introduction to great music and great singing.

Callas singing Harbanera backed by the chorus is majestic and sublime. Heard it one day at work on public radio and had to have it.

I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS CD TO ALL TYPES OF MUSIC LOVERS.

I FELL IN LOVE WITH SOME BACKGROUND MUSIC FROM THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT AND SEARCHED FOR THE SONG - FLOWER DUET - AND PURCHASED THIS CD.

I WAS VERY IMPRESSED BY ALL THE SONGS. ANYONE WHO DOESN'T LIKE OPERA , HAS PROBABLY HEARD MANY OF THESE SONGS AS BACKGROUND MUSIC FROM THEIR FAVORITE MOVIES. IT'S A BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION.

We decided to learn more about opera in general, so we bought a bunch of CDs in our attempt to educate ourselves in more depth. This CD helped in that goal. What more can we ask?

This is a limited number of arias of the possible repetoir of opera. It is, however, a magnificent collection. It is worth all the time to listen.